In Child Development Associate (CDA) training programs, training must be individualized according to the level of the new trainee, and include supervised field experience and academic-theoretical background. Objectives of the program are to help trainees develop the following competencies for working with young children: (1) To learn how to set up and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment, (2) To advance physical and intellectual competence, (3) To build positive self concept and individual strength, (4) To organize and sustain the positive functioning of children and adults in a group in a learning environment, (5) To bring about optimal coordination of home and center child-rearing practices and expectations, and (6) To carry out supplementary responsibilities related to the children's programs. Guidelines concerning length of training, acceptable places of training, acceptable sponsors of trainees, and eligibility-application requirements are presented. Evaluation will be handled by a Consortium, which will work cooperatively with training programs to insure a unified system for preparing CDA's. (DP)